New River Dries Flow Study - Participate Online

Posted: 03/25/2014
By: Kevin Colburn

Paddlers that run the New River Dries between now and July 31, 2014 are encouraged to fill out a flow study survey after each day on the water.  Submitting surveys will add important data to the Extended Whitewater Evaluation Study and will greatly help American Whitewater and others negotiate improved flows for the New River Dries.    

The owners of the Hawks Nest hydroelectric project, which currently removes up to 7,500 cfs from the New River Dries (normally 10,000), is seeking a renewal of their federal license to operate the project.  As part of the relicensing process they are conducting a whitewater flow study to determine the relationship between various flows and the recreational opportunities they provide.  In addition to the Extended Whitewater Evaluation Study, controlled tests of 500 and 1000 cfs occurred in August of 2013, and subsequent controlled tests of 1500, 2000, 2500, and 3000 will occur in the spring of 2014.  

To participate in the Extended Whitewater Evaluation Study, please follow the directions on the Hawks Nest Flow Study Website.  This website includes links to the surveys, as well as helpful information on predicting flows in the Dries.  Thank you in advance for your participation in this important study. 

Kevin Colburn

Asheville, NC

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New River Dries (WV)

The Hawks Nest Dam de-waters six miles of the New River most of the time, and the relicensing of the dam began in 2012.

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